The castle features a rare example of a 16th-century 'prodigy house' built directly inside older medieval fortifications.
Local folklore claims the castle is haunted by the 'White Lady' and the 'Blue Lady', figures associated with the Pomeroy and Seymour families.
Archaeological evidence suggests the site was built atop an earlier Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork.
The castle fell into ruin during the late 1600s after the Seymour family moved their primary residence to Wiltshire.
Its location in a steep, dense valley was specifically chosen to remain hidden from view from the main road.
Berry Pomeroy Castle consists of a 13th-century defensive gatehouse and curtain wall combined with the ruins of an ambitious, unfinished Elizabethan mansion built within the medieval shell. The site is managed by English Heritage and is situated in a deep, wooded valley in South Devon. It served as the seat of the Pomeroy family for five centuries before being purchased by the Seymour family in 1547. The Elizabethan wing was constructed by the Seymours in the late 16th century but was never fully completed. The castle remains a roofless ruin, having been abandoned in the late 17th century. The site is noted for its secluded forest location which adds to its preserved, unmanicured appearance.
The arched entrance of the main gatehouse viewed from the lower woodland path looking upward.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the site features uneven stone flooring, steep grass banks, and woodland paths.
The castle is located in a deep valley, so expect a significant temperature drop compared to the surrounding open countryside.
Bring a picnic, as the wooded grounds are designed for visitors to explore the surrounding nature trails.
Attempting to find the entrance without a GPS map, as the narrow, winding country roads are poorly marked.
The site is typically closed during the winter months, usually reopening for the main tourism season.
Avoid climbing on the unstable masonry or ruins; stay within marked public pathways.
